Fabric having integral and sectional weft threads, and loom for making the same

ABSTRACT

A fabric is woven of warp threads crossing integral and sectional weft threads which alternate. The integral weft threads extend across the entire fabric and are inserted by first weft inserting means, while each sectional weft thread includes a plurality of aligned double weft elements which are inserted into warp shed sections, respectively, by a plurality of weft inserting needles, and preferably tied by a knitting needle.

United States Patent Inventors Josef Zmatlik, Prague, Miloslav Jisa,

Liberec, and Jaromir Sedleck, Josef Matejka; Josef Mohelniclty; Bohumil Milichovsky, Prague, Czechoslovakia Appl. No. 786,862 Filed Dec. 23, 1968 Patented Jan. 19, 1971 Assignee Statni Vyzkummy Ustav Textilni Liberec, Czechoslovakia Priority Dec. 22, 1967 Czechoslovakia PV9l22/67 FABRIC HAVING INTEGRAL AND SECTIONAL WEFT THREADS, AND LOOM FOR MAKING THE SAME 15 Claims, 19 Drawing Figs.

US. Cl 139/383, 66/190; 139/124 Int. Cl D03d 25/00 Field ofSearch 139/1, 116,

[56] References Cited 1 UNITED STATES PATENTS 627,945 6/1899 Waterfield 66/ 1 90 1,980,666 11/1934 Crompton 139]] 2,141,409 12/1938 Sauer 139/383 FOREIGN PATENTS 518,678 3/1940 Great Britain 139/383 Primary Examiner-Henry S. Jaudon Attorney-Michael S. Striker ABSTRACT: A fabric is woven of warp threads crossing integral and sectional weft threads which alternate. The integral weft threads extend across the entire fabric and are inserted by first weft inserting means, while each sectional weft thread includes a plurality of aligned double weft elements which are inserted into warp shed sections, respectively, by a plurality of weft inserting needles, and preferably tied by a knitting needle.

PATENTEDJANISIBYI "35 38165 SHEET u1nr14 [INVENTOR 5 ATTORNEY PATENTED JAN 1 9 IQYI SHEET 12 1 14 mun," T M J'anwym Many A It: a: nmwm rm" "Mammy INVENTORJ ATTORNEY PmEmmmmn 3556155 SHEET 03 [1F 14 Tater ure-n44 Toss-c nOflMmu qmuma M41040 Y INVENTORI ATTORNEY PATENTEU JAN 1 9197! SHiET 0 HF 14 PATE NIEU JAN i 9 I97! sum as or 14 ATTORNEY FABRIC HAVING INTEGRAL AND SECTIONAL WEFT THREADS, AND LOOM FOR MAKING THE SAME REFERENCE TO A RELATED APPLICATION An application directed to related subject matter is being simultaneously filed by Jisa et al.

BACKGROUND OF TI-IE INVENTION SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is one object of the invention to provide a new woven fabric which can be manufactured at high speed.

Another object of the invention is to provide woven fabric having a novel pattern which makes it suitable for use for apparel and for decorative purposes.

Another object of theinvention is to manufacture a pile fabric such as terrycloth at low cost.

Another object of the invention is to provide a fabric with a stripe pattern extending in the warp direction and being formed by loops.

Another object of the invention is to provide a loom for weaving fabrics according to the invention.

Another object of the invention is to provide a loom in which integral wefts are inserted by pneumatic means, and double weft elements, which alternate with the integral weft threads, are respectively inserted by reciprocating weft inserting needles.

With these objects in view, a fabric according to the invention is generally characterized in that the warp threads thereof are interwoven alternately with at least one integral weft and at least one sectional double weft. Each sectional double weft preferably consists of a series of aligned double weft elements each of which has two parallel weft sections crossing with at least two warp threads, an end loop connecting the weft sections, and a connecting loop extending from the other end of one of the weft sections. The end loops either project out of the fabric, or are lying flat on the surface thereof. One weft section or leg of each double weft element extends in the form of a connecting loop over at least one integral and/or sectional weft into some of the subsequent double weft elements, while a connecting loop from the other weft section or leg of the same double weft element extends over at least one integral and/or sectional weft into some of the preceding double weft elements of the respective sectional weft. The end loops of the double weft elements are either knitted together to form a wale of s chain stitches, or remain free and are held only by the warp threads crossing the same. The wales, or the untied end loops either extend in warp direction, or along a zigzag line, or slanted to the warp and weft directions.

In one embodiment of the invention, the connecting link of one double weft element extends about the end loop of the adjacent double weft element of the same sectional weft, while a connecting loop extending from the other weft section or leg of the same double weft element, extends about the end loop of the double weft element of the preceding sectional weft of the adjacent fabric section, or passes below the free end loops. The end loops extend out of the fabric surface between the weft sections or legs of the double weft elements, or under the connecting loop of the adjacent double weft element of the same sectional weft. The double weft elements are either arranged oriented in the same direction so that all end loops are located on the same side, or oppositely oriented so that in the same fabric section, end loops and connecting loops alternate.

In the event that the end loops of the double weft sections are located on the fabric surface, the end loops are connected to each other by knitting the same into chain stitches.

The fabric according to the invention can be manufactured from any natural or synthetic fiber converted into yarn, a low twist roving, ribbon, tape, twisted foil, thread, filament or the like.

A fabric according to the invention comprises a plurality of groups of warp threads; a series of integral weft threads having a length corresponding to the entire width of the fabric and being interwoven with the warp threads of the groups of warp threads; and sectional double weft threads following the integral weft threads in the warp direction in a cyclical order, and preferably alternating with the same; v

Each sectional double weft thread includes a plurality of double weft elements aligned in the weft direction, thealigned double weft elements being, respectively, interwoven with the warp threads of the groups of warp threads so that longitudinal fabric sections extending in warp direction are formed by different groups of warp threads and by integral weft thread portion and double weft-elements'crossilng the same. Successive double weft elements of the same fabric section are connected and formed of the same thread. It follows that in addition to the weft thread required for the integral weft threads extending across the entire fabric, an additional weft thread is required for each fabric section.

in a preferred embodiment of the invention, each double weft element includes a pair of first and second coextensive weft sections together interwoven with at least two warp threads of the respective group of warp threads in the respective fabric section, an end loop connecting the first and second weft sections at one end, and a connecting loop connecting the other end of the first weft section with the other end of the second weft section of the subsequent double weft element of the same fabric section. The connecting loops of the double weftelements of each fabric section are anchored in threads of the adjacent fabric section, and preferably pass under a warp thread and over an integral weft thread.

A loom according to the invention comprises heddle means for forming a warp shed including a plurality of warp shed sections of a plurality of groups of adjacent warp threads; first weft inserting means for inserting an integral weft thread into the warp shed over the entire transverse width of the warp threads; a plurality of second weft inserting means spaced from each other across the warp threads, said second weft inserting means being reciprocable for inserting double weft elements into the warp shed sections, respectively, whereby fabric sections are formed; operating means for operating the heddle means and the first and second weft inserting means in synchronism so that integral weft threads, and double weft threads composed of sectional double weft elements alternate in the woven fabric; and a plurality of tying knitting needles mounted for reciprocation between adjacent fabric sections and cooperating with the second weft inserting means, respectively, to hold in the respective warp shed section, double weft thread elements after insertion by a forward stroke of the second weft inserting means, and during the return stroke of the same.

The integral weft threads are first cut to the proper size, and then inserted into the partly open warp shed by a pneumatic nozzle, while all sectional double weft elements of the same fabric section are made of the same: weft thread so that a weft thread is additionally required for each fabric section.

The arrangement of the present invention permits not only all kinds of patterns of the fabrics, but also a wide variety of color effects.

The patterning of fabrics according to the invention can be influenced by the following conditions: a

l. The arrangement of the double weft elements in each sectional weft.

2. The general arrangement of the double weft elements in the fabric.

3. The color patterns of the integral and sectional wefts relative to the warp threads.

4. The weave of the fabric.

5. The final treatment of the fabric.

The following table indicates a number of possible variations and modifications of fabrics according to the invention.

ODIFIED LOOP ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE DOUBLE WEFTS Double weft elements are:

Oriented in the same direction; Or oriented in opposite directions. End loops of double weft elements are:

Knitted in a Wale of chain stitches. Connecting preceding and subsequent end loops. 1 Connecting preceding and subsequent end loops over at least one: Integral weft; Sectional double weft. Not knitted to each other and form:

Free pile loops; A pile after shearing. Connecting loops and end loops of double weft elements are disposed:

Under the same warp thread; Under different warp threads. Connecting loops of double weft elements extend:

Into the double weft elements of preceding and subsequent double wefts; And also over at least one subsequent:

Integral weft Sectional double weft. Position of connecting loop relative to adjacent end onnecting loop extends about end loop; Connecting loop extends under end loop. Position of connecting loop relative to warp thread:

Connecting loop interlaces warp thread:

By extending into preceding and subsequent sectional double wefts; And also over at least one:

Integral weft; Sectional double weft. Connecting loop does not interlace the warp thread.

Generally speaking, the loops of the sectional double weft element may be arranged to form stripes, zigzag lines, or slanted rows, and portions of the double weft elements of adjacent fabric sections may overlap, or be spaced from each other. Other patterning can be obtained by omitting some of the double weft elements, or by providing integral and sectional wefts in an irregular sequence.

The manner in which the double weft elements and end loops of the same are arranged within a single sectional weft can vary the pattern to a great extent, particularly in warp direction.

Various weft patterning effects, as well as relief weft patterns can be obtained by using weft threads having different thickness, texture, material, or color, or by differently tensioning the sectional and integral wefts.

A fabric according to the invention can be patterned in many ways to provide effects which are not feasible when standard weaving techniques are used to produce conventional fabrics.

A broad'range of structural and color patterning is particularly suitable for weaving fabrics for apparel, beach garments, dust cloths, terry towels, table cloths, and also decorative materials, elastic fabrics, industrial fabrics, wrappings and packaging material and the like.

Relief warp and weft pattern effects are particularly suitable for decorative fabrics and upholstery covers.

Pile fabric with plain or shorn free loops are particularly Unbound end loops of sectional double weft elements produce either a loop covered surface, or a pile, if the loops are cut.

The end loops of the double weft elements can be pulled out on the same side of the fabric, or on both sides of the same. In the former case, the back of the fabric is plain, and the weave and appearance thereof is not distinguishable from a standard woven cloth. I

Fabrics according to the invention permit any finishing process, such as napping, printing, or coating.

The specific fabrics according to the present invention which will be described hereinafter by way of example, only fabrics having a plain weave are described. It is, however, to be understood that any other cam controlled, dobby, or Jacquard operational method may be used in accordance with the intended use.

The sectional double weft elements of adjacent fabric sections can be interlaced and connected with each other in a suitable binding by a tying needle, and can be anchored on integral weft threads, warp threads, or loops of aligned double weft elements.

The novel features which are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in particular in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its construction and its method of operation, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. I is a schematic plan view illustrating a fabric according to a first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary schematic plan view illustrating a second embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary plan view illustrating a third embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic and diagrammatic plan view illustrating a fourth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a schematic fragmentary plan view illustrating a fifth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary schematic plan view illustrating a sixth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary schematic plan view illustrating a seventh embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagrammatic plan view illustrating the embodiment of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary perspective view illustrating shed forming means in an open position;

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary perspective view illustrating the shed forming means of FIG. 9 in another position;

FIG. 11 is a fragmentary perspective view illustrating the weft inserting needles and the tying knitting needles of the apparatus of the invention;

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary perspective view illustrating the shed forming means of FIG. 9 in still a further position;

FIG. 13 is a side elevation illustrating a loom according to the invention;

FIG. 14 is a fragmentary plan view illustrating operating means for the weft inserting means and tying needles of the loom;

FIG. 15 is a fragmentary elevation, partially in section illustrating the apparatus of FIG. 14;

FIGS. 16, 17 and 18 are fragmentary schematic views illustrating successive positions of a pneumatic weft inserting device for inserting an integral weft into the entire warp shed of the fabric; and

FIG. 19 is a fragmentary view on an enlarged scale, illustrating the detail of the nozzle for inserting the integral wefts.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIG. I, a fabric according to this embodiment of the invention I interconnected.

weft element 4 is secnred'llowever,

comprises equidistant warp threads 3, crossed by integral wefts l, and sectional wefts 2 which alternate with each other,

but may follow each other in any selected cyclical sequence;

While the integral wefts l havea length corresponding to the totalwidth of'the fabric, the sectional wefts 2 are composed of aligned sectional double weft elements 4, each of which includes two coextensive and preferably parallel weft sections 5 and 6, an end loop 7 connecting the respective weft sections 5 and 6, anda connecting loop connectingthe other end of one weftsection S with theweft section 6 f thejfollowing sectional double weft-element 4:A connecting loop 8 is connected with theweft sections and 6 of each sectional double weft element 4,.and connected with-the. preceding and subseqacnt double weft elements 4, but'fordescriptive purposes it is easier to assume'thata corinectinguloop 8 connects each weft section 5 with weft sections 6'ofth'e subsequent double weft elements 4. a v i i In relation to-one sectional weft 2,,the sectional wefts 2b arid 2c precede the same,land the sectionaliweft 2a follow the same. In each sectional weft, the aligned double weft elements 4 may be connected with eachother as 'shown in, FIG. I, or

' double weft elements 4 which are knitted to each other'in a a manner different from the integral connection of the integral wefts l. The Iweft sections or legs 5.. 6 ofeach double weft element 4 extend over at least two warpthreads 3,'being interwoven with the same. The end loops 7 of double weft elements .4 may extend out of the fabric surface in the form of pile the binding of the weftS, 6 of adou blc weft element 4 is different in at least one binding point. from the binding of the preceding .or subsequent integral weft l infthe region of the "weftsections 5, 6 of the sectional weft 2.

The integral wefts 1 and, the sectional wefts 2 Depending on the pattern, between two. sectionaldouble wefts 2, more than one differently binding integral wefts 1 may even spaced ,from each" other as --will .be; explained. with I reference to FIG. 5. c l c i t The end loop 7 of each-double weftelenient 4 projects out of the fabric in the manner of a pile'loop, while'the pair of weft sections 5 and 6 passes alternately, above and below the warp 3 to form longitudinal fabric sections Band AJwhichare integral due to the interweaving of the integ'ial'wefts l with warps 3.

However, in accordance. with the invention, each fabric section A, B also includes sectional wefts) 'whose ,end loops are 1 A portion 10 of the warp thread 3awhichextends between 'two adjacentfabric sectionspis a-holding portion, for therespective endloop 7 Another portioni' llof warp thread 3a where connecting loop,8ris 'reverse d, is designatedas-reversing portion ,ll Each connecting, portion, 8,.passes under the reversing portionll'and abovetheiinteg'ral weftthread l crossing the same so that the left end of the} respective double t is-not'absolntely necessary that the reversing and holdingportions are provided on the samewarp thread as shown infFlQ. -l, and in FIG. 5,

nected by chain stitches-land form awaleiin'the-region of the warp thread3a betweeh two adjacent fabric sections A' and B.

I While thefabric sections A'and' Bov'erlap in the embodiment of FlG".- Ltheyare spaccd from each other in -the em bodiment of FlGl- 5 EAch of the longitudinal fabric sections A, B is producedby oneor several-)weft inserting needles of the type used in ribbon looms. If only. a single weft inserting.

needle is used. only a single'weftthreadis used for each lonsetting needlesarc used forinsertihg the double weft elements be provided. The number of sectional wefts 2 and alternately binding integral wefts 1 depends on the pattern requirements, or on the desiredstrength of the fabric.

c Ajfurther characteristic of the fabric according to the invention is that the weft section 50f each double weft element 4 is connected across at least one integral weft l with the weft sectioh 6 of the successive double weft element 4, from which follows that the weft section 6 of eachdo ubl e weft element4 is connected by aconnecting loop 8 with the weft section 5 of the preceding double weft element 4 across an integral weft l.

I For exam plemonnecting loop at'tbe'end of weft section 5 ofsectional weft 2 is connected with weft se'c'tion6 of weft ele' ntent4 in sectional weft 22, while tlhe'connecting loop 8 con- ,nected with weft section 6 of sectional weft 2 is connected with weft section 5 of thepreceding sectional weft 2b, each i connecting loop passing under a warp thread 30 and above an preceding and subsequent double weft elements 4 of the same fabric, section, for example fabric section B, crossing one inhe holding portion an d the ,t j gp "ion; l p tegral, weft I'm the embodiment of FIG. 1. However, in the videdoii different' warp threads; Th'eiend'loops 7'are conintermediate integral .weft 1. Connecting loops 8 connect fabric illustrated in FIG. 8, connec'ting loop 8 extends into the double weft elements 4 of the sarne fabricsection B over three wef ts, of which the two outerlweftsare. integral wefts l, and the intermediate weft is a sectional double'weft 2.

in accordance with the invention, the connecting loops 8 of thesectional wefts 2 extend into the preceding and subsequent sectional double wefts 2, if the double weft elements 4 are arranged oriented in the same direction, or extend into both the ,ev'en numbered preceding and subsequent sectional double in each fabric-section, threads of twoidifferent colors can be used for double weft sections alternating in the respective fabric section. FIG. 1 shows one complete fabric section B,

'withthe complete double'weft eIenientsAincIuding connecting loops 7 and end loops 8. Fabricseetions A adjacent fabric. section B, only partly shown, and it will be understood that the double weft elements of the two adjacent fabric sections A are constructed in i the 'mannerillustrated and described with reference to fabric section B. FIGS. 2,3, 5, 6, and 7, which also illustrate only portionsof the fabric sections, willbe understoo'd in the same manner. 1

The several, embodiments of fabrics according to the present invention will be described hereinafter, but'it maybe noted that all embodiments of he invention have certain novel and unobvious features in common, although they vary in otherrespects. it i j I ii c In accordancewith the invention, lthe warp threads 3 are interwoven alternately, or at least cyclically, withintegral wefts l, and sectionalwefts'z which comprise a series of aligned wefts 2, if the double weft elementsA'are arranged in a noncorresponding'manner in the fabric, or if a system of more than one inserting needle is employedl The double weft elements 4 in each fabric sections may be oriented in the same direction, or oriented in opposite directions. in the former case, the end loops 7 of all double w-eft sections 4 are disposed on thesame side of the double weft elements 4 and of the respective fabric section, as shown in FIG. 1. On the other hand, successive double weft elements 4 may be arranged alternately, oriented in opposite directions so that the end loops 7 and connecting loops 8 are alternately providedon the same sideof each fabric section, as shown, forexample, in FIG. 7.

l The right end of the lowermost double weft element in FIG. 7 is formed by the end loop 7, while the next following double ,weft element of the sectional weft 2 ends on the same right side in connecting loops 8.

Depending on the arrangement of the double weft elements 4, theend loops 7 are knitted together between two adjacent fabric sections A and B. In the embodiment of H6. 1, the end loops 7 of the double weft-elements 4 of the same fabric section'are in contact with each other and areknitted together in chain loops to form a wale.

alternate regularly, or between two integral continuous'weft -l, a plurality. for example 3 or 5 sectional double wefts Zmay be'arranged.

In the fabric construction shown in FIG. 7, the end loops of alternate double weft elements 4 of two different adjacent fabric sections are knitted together in chain loops to form a wale. In the fabric construction of FIG. 6 the end loops 7 project out of the fabric from the holding portions of the respective warp 3e, and are not knitted to each other at all, so that the end loops 7 loosely lie on the fabric and form stripes 12.

FIG. 1 illustrates a fabric which has a wale 9 consisting of end loops 7 of the same fabric section knitted together in chain stitches, whereas in the embodiment of FIG. 7, the wale 9 is composed of end loops 7 of double weft elements 4 of two different adjacent fabric sections knitted together in chain stitches. It will be seen that a connecting wale 9 can be produced of double weft elements 4 oriented in the same direction, or alternately oriented in opposite directions. Free end loops 7 may be provided with uniformly or oppositely oriented double weft elements 4.

The wales 9 may be arranged parallel to the warp threads, as shown in FIG. 1, in a zigzag pattern, as shown in FIG. 4, diagonally or slanted to the warp and weft threads, or irregular in accordance with a pattern.

By mutually looping connecting loops 8 and end loops 7 of the double weft elements of the sectional double wefts 2, the sectional double wefts may be made very conspicuous, or subdued on the front surface of the fabric, in accordance with the desired pattern. Further pattern effects may be obtained by suitably distributing the holding portions 10 of the end loops 7 of the double weft elements 4, as shown in FIGS. 1,3, 5 and 6.

-The stripes l2 of unbound end loops 7 may extend parallel to the warp direction, as shown in FIG. 6, or in zigzag shape, or slanted to the warp and weft directions. The connecting loops 8 are either laid about the end loops 7 of the corresponding aligned double weft element of the adjacent fabric section, or pass under the same. For example, the connecting loops 8 of the fabric shown in FIG. 2 pass under the end loops 7 which form chain stitches.

Unbound end loops 7 project out of the fabric either between the weft sections 5 and 60f the respective adjacent double weft element 4 of the same sectional double weft, as shown in FIG. 6, or under the connecting loop 8 of the respective adjacent double weft element 4 of the same sectional weft 2.

The fabric illustrated in FIG. 1 is constructed of integral wefts 1 and sectional double wefts 2 which are alternately woven into the warp threads 3. Each of the sectional double wefts 2 consists of a system of uniformly oriented aligned double weft elements 4. The two weft sections 5 and 6 of each double weft element 4 are treated like a single weft thread and form a plain weave with warp threads 3. The sectional double weft 2 are bound differently with respect to the preceding and the subsequent integral wefts 1 so that the binding points of the sectional double weft 2 with the warp threads, correspond with the binding points of the preceding and following integral weft 1. All double weft elements 4 of each fabric section B or A are formed by one weft thread so that a weft thread is provided for each fabric section, in addition to the integral weft threads 1 which pass through all fabric sections, and across the entire width of the fabric.

The end loops 7 of the double weft element 4 of each fabric section A or B, are knitted by a tying knitting needle to form the wale 9 parallel to the warp threads 3. Warp thread 3a which is located under the wale 9, always ties under the respective integral weft l, and over the connecting loop 8. The connecting loop 8 passes about the end loop 7 of the weft element 4 of the adjacent fabric section in the same sectional double weft 2, and passes under the end loop 7 of the double weft element 4 of the preceding sectional double weft 2b of the adjacent fabric section A. Fabric sections A and B overlap in the fabric of FIG. 1, and the holding portions 10, and reversing portions 11 of adjacent aligned double weft elements 4 are located on the same warp thread 3a.

The fabric illustrated in FIG. 2 is different from the fabric illustrated in FIG. 1 inasmuch as the connecting loops 8 are not laid about the end loops 7, but pass under the same. A knitting needle forms a wale of chain stitches of end loops 7 so that the right ends of the respective double weft elements 4 of fabric section A are anchored in the woven fabric.

A modification differs from the fabric construction of FIG. 1 inasmuch as the warp threads 30 bind always over the integral weft thread 1, and under the connecting loop 8. The loop links 8 of fabric section B are in this case not retained by the integral weft l, but are laid about the end loops 7 of the weft element 4 of the adjacent section A.

The holding portions 10 and the reversing portions 11 of the double weft elements 4 are in this case on the warp thread 3a where the two fabric sections A and B overlap each other.

FIG. 3 illustrates a fabric in which a warp thread 3b provides the holding portions 10 for the end loops 7, and the reversing portions 11 for the connecting loops 8, and is disposed on the left of the warp thread 3a along which the wale of chain stitches formed by end loops 7 is formed.

FIG. 4 illustrates schematically another fabric construction according to which the end loops 7 are knitted to form a zigzag-shaped wale 9. The connecting loops 8 pass under the end loops 7, similar to the fabric of FIG. 2. The holding portion'10 for end loops 7, and the reversing portions 11 for connecting loops 8 are alternately disposed on two different warp threads 3, and on several other warp threads 3. In a fabric woven in a plain weave, the holding portions 10 are distributed always to be located on every second warp thread 2 located, respectively, on the left and right of the respective wale 9. The two connecting loops 8 connected with the weft sections 5 and 6 of each double weft element 4, bind at the reversing point of the wale 9 within the reversing portion 11 symmetrically with respect to the holding portion 10 of the respective double weft elements of the adjacent fabric section and of the same sectional double weft 2. With respect to the holding portion 10a which is disposed between the reversing points of the wale 9, connecting loops 8 bind identically but unsymmetrically.

FIG. 5 illustrates a fabric in which three warp threads are omitted between adjacent fabric sections A and B. End loops 7 of the double weft elements 4 of fabric section A are knitted together to form a wale of chain stitches 9 so that the right ends of the double weft elements 4 are secured in the weave. The connecting loops 7 of the double weft element 4 of the fabric section B pass under a warp thread 3 and are anchored on integral weft threads 1. Evidently, the wale 9 is formed along a warp thread 3 which is different from the warp thread 3 which forms the edge of the fabric section B so that fabric sections A and B do not overlap.

As noted above, the end loops 8 of the fabric of FIG. 6 are free and not knitted together. The adjacent fabric sections A and B overlap each other in the region of the warp thread 32 which is located at the overlapping point of fabric portions A and B, and has holding portions 10 for the end loops 7, and reversing portions 1 1 for the connecting loops 8 of the respective double weft element 4. Each end loop 7 is located between two weft sections 5, 6 of the respective corresponding aligned double-weft element 4 of the adjacent fabric section B, and the free end loops produce a stripe effect forming a stripe 12 in longitudinal or warp direction.

A particular group of fabrics according to the invention are fabrics weft elements with end loops 7 and connecting loops 8 are not arranged oriented in the same direction, but alternately in opposite direction. Within each sectional double weft 2, the aligned double weft elements are alternately oriented in opposite directions.

For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the end loops 7 of the weft elements 4 of one fabric section A are alternately knitted together with the free end loops 7 of the double weft element 4 of the respective other fabric section B to form the wale 9 parallel to warp thread 3 and located between adjacent fabric sections A and B.

i formed of end loops7.

I The connecting loops 8 of double weft elements 4 are connectedgwith the preceding and subsequent double weft elements 4 of the same fabric section over two integral wefts between which the respective sectional double weft 2 is interposed. The holding portion I of warp threads 3 for the end loops 7, andthe reversing portions-ll of the'warp threads 3 for the connecting loops 8 are all provided on the same warp thread 3. r 1

In the fabric illustrated in FIG. 8, the integral weft I alternates with the double. weft elements 2, as described. and each sectional double weft .2 consists of a series or group of aligned double .weft elements 4. The holding portions I0 for the loops 7 of .thedouble: weft el'em'ents 4 following each other, arestaggered relative to eac li other alternately. to the H left and to the right, andextend over five warp threads 3. Both portions and 11 are provided on the same warp thread 3 for holding the end loops 7 and reversing the connectingloops 8. Connecting loops 8 extend across two integral wefts 1 between an intermediate sectional double'weft 2 is interposed.

End loops 7 are knitted'togetherto-fo m'a wale 9 of chain stitches. r l

The fabrics of the invention are madeon a special loom which has, in addition to a conventionalpi'cking device for inserting the integral wefts 1 into the open warp sheds, and also with a plurality of weft inserting needles of the type used in ribbon looms for inserting sectional doublewefts 2 into the adjacent fabric sections A and B. The apparatus further requires a plurality of tyingknitting needles cooperating with the weft inserting needles for effecting anchoring of the double weft elements 4, and for. forming the wales of chain stitches The picking of the integral atleast one weft inserting needle for each fabricsection, and a tying knitting'needle. cooperating with thesame. The'weft inweft' lnacross .the entire warp shed can be accomplished by any conventional weft inserting mechanism, employing. grippers, needles, shuttles, or pneuserting needle is adapted to form a doubleweft element in the respective fabric section by using the same weft thread.

' e If more than one weft inserting means is used for each fabric section for the purpose of using severalcolored threads for the double weft elements 4 of each fabric section, the weft inserti ng needles alternately operate. Duringthe alternating'opera- I tion of two weft-insertingneedles having differently colored threads andinserting the same into the warp sheds of thefsanie ble weft elements 4 are produced. f i I The tying needles between adjacent fabric sections are reciprocated in a plane substantially parallel to the fabric. Weft threads for each fabric section is wound off a stationary package, enters a duct in the respectiveweft inserting needle,

longitudinal fabric section, repeated differently colored douand passes out of a guide eyelet atthe'end of the weft inserting I needle. All weft inserting .needlesare driven from a common drive means and oscillate simultaneously. in the same direction. The positions of the weftfinserting needles are selected to be outsideof the warps while'the shed is closed, while entering the shed when the same is opened with the eyelets of the inserting portions of the weft inserting needles leading. During the reciprocating movement of the weft inserting needles, double weft elements are simultaneously inserted into the open sheds of the various fabric sections, and

the loops of the double weft elements are engaged by the respective knitting needleswhich either knit the endloops 7 into a wale of chain stitches, or merely pull the end loops out,

of the fabric. In the first case, latchneedles are used, and the reciprocating motion of the tying knitting needles is suitably synchronized with the oscillation of the weft inserting needles.

In the latter case, it is necessary to employbearded needles.

The loops formed simultaneously across the entire warp .width are, or may be beaten up to the fell of the fabric by a reed, during or after the closing of the shed. In the event that grippers, needles or pneumatic picking devices are used for picking the integralwefts l, the sectional weft picking interval is relatively shorter so that in this case an uneven slay motion can be utilized. For example, if the integral wefts l and sectional double wefts 2 alternate, the slay motion should be decelerated during one revolution of the cam shaft, and accelerated during the following revolution.

i For weaving the fabric according to the invention, a socalled half-shed, see FIG. 9, may be used where the heddle frames 13 consist ofa comb of heddles l4.

During every, or everysecond, change of the shed, the weft ,is inserted, so that it is possible to insert the integral weft 1 into the shed across the entire width of the warp, and to insert the sectional double weft 2 into the following normal warp shed.

. As will be understood from FIGS. 9 and 10, the integral weft I can be inserted into the half-shed by movement in the direction of the warps, while the sectional double weft 2 can be inserted both into the half-shed shown in FIG. 9 and into the standard shed shown in FIG. 10.

For the insertion of the integral wefts 1 well known devices can be employed. For instance, the integral weft thread 1 is disposed in an auxiliary channel above and across the fabric to be formed, andthe whole length of the integralwarp thread is transferred, for example pneumatically into the openhalf shed between the warp threads of the open shed, and beaten to the fabric edge.

Since the entire length of the integral weft thread 1 is inserted into the warp shed in one motion, the path of the integral weft from the preparatory channel to the beating line of the fabric is very short, and the stroke of the sectional weft inthat the inserting needle can stop just before entering the A specificembodiment' of an apparatus or'loom for manufacturing the fabric according to the invention shown in FIG. 3, for example, is schematically illustratedin FIGS. 11 and 12.

The weft inserting needles l5 are-supported on a forwardly located bar 16 to oscillate about pivots into and out-of the 'warp sheds of adjacent narrow fabric sections, each of which includes a group of warp threads. Tying knitting needles 17 pass through bores in bar 16 and have end portions secured to another bar 18 through which the needles 17 are simultaneously reciprocated in axial direction. Each of the weft inserting needles 15 has a curved hollowarm 19 whose duct terminates in a guide eyelet 20. A weft thread for the respective fabric section is wound off package 22 and passes through the duct in the respective weft inserting means 15 to the eyelet 20 of the same.

A desired length of the integral weft thread I is inserted into the warp shed along the entire length of the loom, as will be explained hereinafter in greater detail. The entire integral weft thread 1 is moved into the open warp shed across the entire width of the loom. The tying needles 19 are shown to be latch needles provided with tongues and hooks. FIG. '11 illustrates the weft inserting needles 15 in a position of rest after insertion of a double weft element 4 into the respective warp shed of the respective associated fabric section. When the end loop 7 of the respective inserted double weft element 4 has been caught by the hook of needle 15 located on the right side of the respective fabric section, the weft needles IS are returned to the initial starting position outside of the shed and on the left side of the respective fabric section so that the respective warp shed contains two parallel weft sections 5 and 6 since the weft inserting needle 15 moves relative to the thread located in the duct of the same. 7

All double weft sections of the respective sectional double wefts 2 are thus simultaneously inserted into the respective 

1. A fabric comprising, in combination, a plurality of groups of warp threads; a series of integral weft threads having a length corresponding to the entire width of the fabric and being interwoven with said warp threads of said groups of warp threads; and sectional double weft threads following said integral weft threads in the warp direction in a cyclical order, each sectional double weft thread including a plurality of double weft elements aligned in the weft direction, said aligned double weft elements being, respectively, interwoven with the warp threads of said groups of warp threads so that longitudinal fabric sections extending in warp direction are formed by different groups of warp threads and by integral weft thread portions and double weft elements crossing the same, successive double weft elements of the same fabric section being connected and formed of the same thread.
 2. A fabric as claimed in claim 1 wherein each double weft element includes a pair of first and second coextensive weft sections together interwoven with at least two warp threads of the respective group of warp threads in the respective fabric section, an end loop connecting the first and second weft sections at one end, and a connecting loop connecting the other end of said first weft section with the other end of the second weft section of the subsequent double weft element of the same fabric section; and wherein said connecting loops of the double weft elements of each fabric section are anchored in threads of an adjacent fabric section.
 3. A fabric as claimed in claim 2 wherein each connecting loop extends over at least one integral weft thread and at least over one sectional double weft element of the adjacent fabric section.
 4. A fabric as claimed in claim 2 wherein said connecting loop of each double weft element of one double weft, is looped about the end loop of the adjacent aligned double weft element of the same double weft and is located partly above and partly below the same.
 5. A fabric as claimed in claim 2 wherein said connecting loop passes under the one warp thread at which said fabric sections overlap, and over at least one integral weft thread which is located between the two double weft element connected by the respective connecting loop.
 6. A fabric as claimed in claim 2 wherein said end loop of a double weft element projects from said fabric between said weft sections of the aligned double weft element of the same double weft, but located in the adjacent fabric section.
 7. A fabric as claimed in claim 2 wherein said end loop of a double weft element projects through said connecting loop of the aligned double weft element of the same double weft but located in the adjacent fabric section.
 8. A fabric as claimed in claim 2 wherein said double weft elements of the same fabric section are uniformly oriented so that all end loops are located on one side of each fabric section, and all connecting loops are located on the other side of the respective fabric section.
 9. A fabric as claimed in claim 2 wherein alternate double weft elements of the same fabric section are oppositely oriented so that end loops and connecting loops alternate on either side of the respective fabric section.
 10. A fabric as claimed in claim 2 wherein said connecting loops of said double weft elements of the same fabric section pass about the integral weft threads preceding the respective double weft threads, and pass under the end loops of the aligned double weft element located in the adjacent fabric section.
 11. A fabric as claimed in claim 2 wherein said end loops of all said double weft elements are looped to form a wale of chain stitches extending along a warp thread.
 12. A fabric as claimed in claim 2 wherein said end loops of successive double weft elements of a fabric section project from under different warp threads of the respective fabric section; wherein said connecting loops of aligned double weft elements of the adjacent fabric section are looped about said different warps, and over integral wefts, respectively and wherein said end loops are looped together to form a zigzag-shaped wale of chain stitches.
 13. A fabric as claimed in claim 2 wherein two lateral warp threads on the sides of two groups of warp threads and of two adjacent fabric sections are spaced a multiple of the distance which the warp threads of each group are spaced from each other; wherein said connecting loops of said double weft elements of one of said fabric sections are looped about an integral weft thread adjacent the respective lateral warp thread; and wherein the end loops of the double weft elements of the adjacent fabric section are looped together to form a wale of chain stitches adjacent the other lateral warp thread whereby said adjacent fabric sections are connected only by said integral weft threads.
 14. A fabric as claimed in claim 2 wherein said connecting loops of each double weft element of one fabric section are looped about the following integral weft thread adjacent one warp thread; and wherein the end loops of each double weft element of the adjacent fabric section freely project from under said one warp thread into the region of the weft sections of the respective double weft element of said one fabric section, and are located between said connecting loops of successive double weft elements of said one fabric section.
 15. A fabric as claimed in claim 2 wherein successive double weft elements of the same fabric section are alternately oppositely oriented; wherein aligned double weft elements located in adjacent fabric sections are oppositely oriented so that the end loop of each double weft element of each fabric section and the connecting loop of each aligned double weft element of the adjacent fabric section are both located between said fabric sections; and wherein said connecting loops are looped about a plurality of subsequent integral weft threads. 